Paris, France – Veteran French basketball star Evan Fournier has confirmed his availability for the upcoming international window and is eager to rejoin the national team this summer. The announcement, made earlier this week, signals a boost for head coach Frédéric Fauthoux as France continues its preparation for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Fournier, currently playing for Olympiacos Piraeus, expressed his commitment to contributing to the team’s success, stating, “I will be available for the team of France, of course. I still have something to grant to the team of France, that’s for sure.”
The return of the 31-year-old guard, who won a silver medal with France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, comes after he was absent from the EuroBasket 2025 roster. His presence is expected to provide valuable experience and scoring prowess to a French squad aiming to build on its recent successes. France has already secured qualification for the second round of the 2027 World Cup qualifying tournament, having achieved consecutive victories against Hungary. The team’s recent form under Fauthoux has been encouraging, setting a positive tone for the challenges ahead.
Fournier’s decision to rejoin the national team follows a productive season with Olympiacos in the EuroLeague. As of March 13, 2026, he is averaging 16.3 points per game with the Greek club, demonstrating his continued ability to perform at a high level. Sports.fr highlights his strong performance in the EuroLeague as a key factor in his selection for the upcoming qualifying matches.
Evan Fournier s’est aussi confié sur l’Équipe de France. L’argent aux JO 24, l’Eurobasket 25 (qu’il n’a pas disputé). Et l’avenir (le Mondial 27 et les JO 28) avec Freddy Fauthoux pic.twitter.com/u4OMbDWKry
— Julie Yalap (@Julie_Yp) March 12, 2026
A Renewed Partnership with Frédéric Fauthoux
Fournier also emphasized his positive relationship with coach Frédéric Fauthoux, noting that they have already begun discussing plans for the summer. “Freddy [Fauthoux] had the opportunity early in the season to arrive to my house for dinner, and we were able to talk about this summer, about what was happening, etc.,” Fournier stated. “I’m looking forward to working with him, discovering his style of play, and doing great things.” This collaborative spirit suggests a strong foundation for success as France navigates the upcoming qualifying rounds and prepares for future international competitions.
Fauthoux, who took the helm of the national team in January 2025, according to L’Équipe, has been focused on integrating a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talent. The inclusion of Fournier alongside other EuroLeague players like Théo Maledon (ASVEL), Vincent Poirier (Anadolu Efes Istanbul), and Jaylen Hoard (Maccabi Tel-Aviv) demonstrates a commitment to leveraging the skills of French players competing at the highest levels of European basketball. The team will face Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in February as part of their Euro 2025 qualification campaign.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics
The return of Evan Fournier is particularly significant as France sets its sights on the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The team’s silver medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics highlighted its potential, but also underscored the need for continued development and strategic planning. With a core group of talented players and a dedicated coaching staff, France aims to establish itself as a consistent contender on the international stage. The upcoming qualifying matches will serve as crucial preparation for these major tournaments, allowing Fauthoux to experiment with different lineups and refine the team’s overall strategy.
The French national team faces a competitive landscape in both the World Cup and the Olympics. Teams like the United States, Spain, and Serbia are consistently among the top contenders, and France will need to overcome these challenges to achieve its goals. However, with Fournier back in the fold and a growing pool of talented players, the team is well-positioned to make a strong push for success. The focus will be on building team chemistry, developing a cohesive playing style, and maximizing the individual strengths of each player.
The absence of key players like Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert from the upcoming EuroBasket campaign, as reported by 20 Minutes, presents an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their abilities. This will be a valuable experience for the team as it prepares for the future, allowing Fauthoux to assess the depth of the roster and identify potential stars. The focus will be on developing a resilient and adaptable team that can overcome adversity and compete at the highest level.
Fournier’s commitment to the national team is a testament to his passion for the game and his dedication to representing France on the international stage. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team navigates the challenges ahead. With a renewed sense of optimism and a clear vision for the future, the French national basketball team is poised for continued success.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the French national team is the EuroBasket tournament, scheduled to begin on August 27th and conclude on September 14th, 2025, in Latvia, Finland, Poland, and Cyprus. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and schedule through the official FIBA Basketball website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and predictions for the team’s performance in the comments below.
Related reading